ALLIE LAUREN

When Lauren Nicole Clare agreed to be the first artist feature on the CDMG blog site, my excitement was through the roof. This is an artist who I am not only a huge fan of her music, but I am equally a fan of her character. A petite brown-eyed beauty--this girl has a BIG voice, a smile and kindness that radiates, and the business brain to top it off. Her strong talent for music is transparent through every work she has released, and her new single, "Spitfire," is the icing on the cake. After my first listen, this song immediately went to my playlist. The bold beats and keyboards, paired with sassy vocals a catchy melody, will get anyone's head and hips rolling. Lauren reveals her attractive spunk through this release, her spitfire definitely shines through!

The 2012 "Tales of a Glass Heart" L.P. is an album that I love listening to from start to finish--it has a bold yet soft, jazzy feel with memorable piano melodies and sexy, full, passionate vocals. With the B-Sides following in 2014, Lauren gives us a raw and beautifully haunting compilation of songs that incorporate live sessions and even an A Capella song showcasing her smooth and empowering voice.

Allie Lauren is not only a well-known music name within the Oklahoma City scene, but Lauren is also expanding her live-performance popularity regionally--and I have no doubt it won't stop there. This girl is a music gem that will only gain more shine as she continues to progress in the music world. I was happy to catch up with Lauren, right before her "Spitfire" release, to find out more about her music journey and the details behind her work and talent...

Photo Credit: Robin Roberts

Jenn: For readers who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound in 5 words?

Lauren: velvet exploration sometimes explosive atmosphere

Jenn: Give us some background on how you named your band, Allie Lauren and how you evolved to pursuing music professionally?

Lauren: This project is named for my Great-Grandmother Allie. She was the matriarch of my family when I was born and her children were responsible for inspiring my interest in music. I started in classical piano lessons at a young age & from there began exploring other instruments which led me to my voice. Once I started choral studies and classical vocal training there was pretty much no turning back, I applied to university for voice and continued on to do my masters in voice as well. Once school was finished, I put my energy into writing more and there was never a question of what I would do, only how.

Jenn: Who would you consider your favorite musical influences?

Lauren: Definitely my grandparents, but as of today in the present day world I would have to say Fiona Apple, Lykke Li & Florence + The Machine .

Jenn: Do you have a particular Oklahoma venue you have enjoyed performing at?

Lauren: I’d say my most memorable performances have been The Blue Note in OKC & Center of the Universe Festival in Tulsa.

Jenn: Since you write your own music, what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Lauren: Every so often I get a spark that I can feel my mind running with. It’s a crazy kind of rush that my pen and paper can hardly keep up with. The anticipation of where it will end while translating that energy into phrases; letting the words write themselves without getting in the way. That’s my favorite part.

Jenn: If you could open for any artist on tour right now, who would it be?

Jenn: Outside of music, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Lauren: I love to travel, love a good museum & love experimenting in the kitchen.
Jenn: You are not only an amazing artist, but you also have a good business sense when it comes to your music. What tips would you share with other artists who are pursuing music professionally?Lauren: Aww, why thanks! Four main things I’d say... Numero Uno: Be timely and together, live in the details and really show you care about the work you put forth; you want people to take you seriously. Two: Be picky about the people who are around you, you’re only as good as your weakest link. Plus, surrounding yourself with incredibly talented people helps you to grow. Three: Never be afraid to speak up for what you want and how you want your brand to be represented; the people who are on board will be on board and the people who are not will reveal themselves. Ultimately, YOU have to live with what you allow or don’t allow. Finally: ALWAYS be confident in your vision for your music, take advice, but remember, there is only one you.
Jenn: Excellent advice! As a send off, share a moment from one of your favorite Oklahoma shows…Lauren: Mmmmm, that would have to be sitting on the front of the stage at The Blue Note singing “Les Feuilles Mortes” -- David (keys), Michael (drums) and Jose (cello) & Tony (sound engineer) were magic & I love when a song takes on a life of its own while you’re wrapped in the middle of it. Truly special...